Bar Mediceo at Villa La Massa in Tuscany
Summer brings new perks and amenities to many top hotels and brands around the world. Dozens of new hotels and resorts are opening for the first time this season, but others are adding new features and renovations that repeat guests will be eager to see. From do-it-yourself goodies to eco-friendly changes, here is some of the latest news from the hospitality industry and properties around the world. Paper Packaging Bags
Villa La Massa as seen from the Arno River in Tuscany
The Tuscan estate on the banks of the Arno River and just 15 minutes from Florence, Villa La Massa (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) is celebrating a host of new features for the summer. It all starts with the arrival of new general manager, Elisa Peroli, who has been making exciting updates to the luxury hotel (sibling to Lake Como’s Villa d’Este). A new electric shuttle now makes the complimentary drive into Florence on regular intervals, which is part of the hotel’s growing sustainability efforts.
The new pool area and Bistrot L'Oliveto at Villa La Massa
A full renovation to the Villino building was also unveiled for the season. Dating back nearly a century, the seven rooms and suites there have new interiors, but maintained their four-poster beds and frescoed ceilings. A new mixologist is also on staff and has revamped the menu with updated cocktails using herbs and ingredients from the property’s own garden. The property’s Bistrot L’Oliveto now serves both lunch and dinner to appeal to summer visitors looking for something more casual by the pool.
The cultural project between the two brands celebrates the "art of travel."
To celebrate the “art of travel,” Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels brand has a new collaboration with Fotografiska, a modern museum of photography, art and culture. Original art and photography are on display at Fotografiska museums and select Autograph Collection properties worldwide (including Berlin; San Pedro, Belize; Oklahoma City; and Tokyo). At participating hotels, guests will be able to borrow Lomography 35mm film cameras and film rolls (with photography tips) to use during their stay. They will also receive free access to Fotografiska museums and priority reservations to museum bars and restaurants.
Allergen-free cookies are now an option at U.S. DoubleTree hotels.
In celebration of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, August 4, DoubleTree by Hilton is launching a new option to its signature warm welcome for guests at its U.S. hotels. Now, travelers can select between the traditional chocolate chip cookie or one that is “non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and free from the top nine allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish).” For more than five decades, DoubleTree hotels around the world have offered this special welcome amenity, and during the Covid pandemic, the brand even released the coveted secret recipe so people could make them at home. The brand’s goal is to eliminate food-related stressors that can be a common part of traveling somewhere new.
The "do it yourself" turndown station to make lavender sachets.
Two other Marriott brands, Element Hotels and AC Hotels, are furthering their “rest and relax” program. At AC Hotels, guests can take part in a “do it yourself” turndown service where they can make lavender turndown sachets to enjoy in their bed. The brand has its own signature scent in public areas to calm guests using fig leaf, amber elements and fir balsam. Element Hotels will offer its complimentary evening reception with wine and beer available to all guests. Warm or cold towels infused with eucalyptus oil are part of the check-in process. In addition to restful sleep tips, Element guests can also enjoy “caffeine-free teas made with turmeric, lemon balm or lavender” for a natural detox before bedtime.
Seven Seas Grandeur is one of the ships in Regent's fleet.
This alliance of independent hotel brands, which includes familiar names like Anantara, Kempinski, NH Hotels and Pan Pacific, is adding a new partner to the fold with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It is one of the first partnerships between a hotel loyalty program like Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and a cruise line (World of Hyatt and Lindblad also partner together). The new connection allows GHA DISCOVERY members to earn DISCOVERY Dollars when sailing with Regent, which can then be redeemed at GHA properties around the world.
NH Collection Dubai The Palm is one of the newest hotels in Dubai.
GHA members that book a cruise with Regent will also receive welcome gifts in their cabin like chocolate and Champagne plus a fast track to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status (room upgrades and welcome gifts). When booking a Regent cruise, members can earn between 750 and 2,5000 DISCOVERY Dollars to redeem later. In a limited-time promotion, those that make a Regent reservation before the end of September and sail before the end of the year will receive triple the reward.
Open for the 2023 season is a remodeled Terrasse Nelligan, more modern and hopping than ever.
Montreal’s Hotel Nelligan is one of the city’s most popular rooftop terraces for more than two decades. Now open for the summer season, it is fresh from a renovation with chic design, a talented DJ, refreshed food and drink menu, see-and-be-seen vibe. Reservations are a must if you want to secure a table on weekends. Views are of the river, the city’s skyline and Montreal’s famous Old Town. On the menu are cheese platters native to the province, a raw bar of oysters, ceviche and caviar, burgers and salads. Following the remodel of the terrace, the hotel will undergo a top-to-bottom renovation in the coming year, too.
The luxury properties and hotels from Mr and Mrs Smith expand Hyatt's portfolio worldwide.
Food Packaging Pouch The latest addition to Hyatt’s brand roster is Mr & Mrs Smith, which it brought over to the fold from a previous partnership with IHG One Rewards. The British-based travel club allows guests to book more than 1,500 boutique and luxury hotels or properties around the world. The partnership closed earlier this summer with plans for members to be able to earn or redeem points with any stay at an eligible stay. This is in addition to Hyatt’s recent franchise agreements with Lindner Hotels & Resorts and me and all hotels.